What AK-74 to purchase?

I am in the market for a 74 and there are a lot more out there to choose from then I expected. I am a long time 47 owner and fan but my 74 knowledge is lacking. I could probably search through all the posts to figure it out but I am too lazy (sorry).

What I want: (hi-cap, no Cali) black poly furniture, fixed stock and maybe a side scope mount. Just a simple gun, what you would expect Russian infantry to carry. Nothing fancy. Just reliable and solid shooter. Looking to spend $500-$800.

Personal reviews and recommendations appreciated. Links to purchasing as well-

Find an InterArms wZ88 Polish Tantal.

I do not think you will find a better price than this.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/TG_AK-74_5.45x39_Rifle.html

Find an InterArms wZ88 Polish Tantal.Im real impressed with mine, very nice weapon. But one of these you can build for around 500

I'm very partial to my bulgies.

Im real impressed with mine, very nice weapon. But one of these you can build for around 500

Nice job!

Im real impressed with mine, very nice weapon. But one of these you can build for around 500Nice Saiga.

http://www.arsenalinc.com/news.htm#09182009

http://www.arsenalinc.com/news.htm#09182009nice weapon, be even better with the side fold stock as shown, funny they dont offer that version

Hands down, no question. This is what I'd get right now.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/In_Range_AK-74_5.45x39_Rifle.html

Hands down, no question. This is what I'd get right now.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/In_Range_AK-74_5.45x39_Rifle.html

good price, and In Range builds a good weapon

Hands down, no question. This is what I'd get right now.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/In_Range_AK-74_5.45x39_Rifle.html

I'm new to the scene so if you don't mind me asking, how long are these going to be around? Do batches of quality builds like this sell out quickly, or can I wait a few months?

I'm new to the scene so if you don't mind me asking, how long are these going to be around? Do batches of quality builds like this sell out quickly, or can I wait a few months?
Not long.
I'd be surprised if they lated days much less weeks.

Of course the current market is quite unusual so who knows.

I can tell you one thing, if I had the cash right now, I'd order it tomorrow AM.

And I'm not even all that big on the '74s or 5.45mm.

Sweet rifle, sweet deal, good builder. Tough to beat. And it has the original bbl also, something rare these days.

Actually, AIM's inventory right now is about the best I've ever seen. They have lots of nice rifles and good prices.
I sent the links out to a bunch of people last night--the DSA FAL, the PSL and the AK-74. Also the Sig 556 pistol.
Damn they have a nice selection right now. Wow.

So if you want one, and you have the money, I'd get on it. That's MO.

They do look nice, only thing is they don't have the scope rail. Could put that on later though, maybe.

The money thing really is the issue right now. We'll see..thanks for the heads-up.

I hear ya. Money's tight for a lot of us.

I don't get the big deal with the scope rail because I just don't care for scopes all that much. I never even had a scope on a rifle until I broke down and got one a few years ago. Just doesn't do it for me and I am so used to iron sights it is just what I prefer.

Too each his own though.

There is a Polish Tantal and a Bulgarian AK-74 by CAI. Any Good? Both out there for around $500.
Also a Bulgarian AK-74 from TGI. This one is more expensive. I have seen all these on J&Gs website. I dont know anything about CAI or TGI

I enjoyed building the AK-74's & tantals when they were in the $200.00 range for a kit with original barrel to do a build. Those were the days to long for!

Century tantals have major issues.
/the rest of their stuff is hit or miss. I have two of their rifles but I wouldn't buy anything they make without getting my hands on them and checking them out first.

TGI? don't know.

I told you what was the best deal and a fine rifle but you can go for the 'look' and save a few dollars if you like.

Avoid Century builds, too many issues. Interarms Tantal is one of the best, any good Bulgarian build, or a SAR-2, would fit the bill.
http://www.highstandard.com/images/tantal.jpg

http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=17043&cat=354&page=1

Just an FYI, AIM has only nine of the 74's left.

Looks like I'll miss out on this one but just a heads-up.

Just an FYI, AIM has only nine of the 74's left.

Looks like I'll miss out on this one but just a heads-up.

I ordered one about an hour ago, and they said they had 6 left. So yeah, these things probably won't last through the day. This is/was a great deal. For $599, you get:

1. A Troy Sellers built AK-74 (which should, theoreticallty at least, help with the resale value, since people prefer AK's that were put together by reputable builders instead of any ol' bubba);

2. Original chrome-lined Bulgarian barrel;

3. Nodak Spud (NDS-2) receiver;

4. K-Var plum furniture;

5. Parked and Gun-koted rifle.

That is a LOT of rifle for $599. I was almost going to wait until later this week to buy one, but I had an inkling when I woke up that I should get one sooner rather than later. Glad I listened to my "inner voice"!

But if anyone missed out on these, perhaps Aim might get more? And if not, there are also a few other places selling these, although you'll pay more than $599 at those other places. Most other shops are selling these for at least $100 more, and I've seen these In-Range guns listed as high as $799.

Now, I just gotta be patient until it gets here!

The 74's on AIM look good- and a good price

-seems like more and more people are doing Saiga conversions. I can buy a 74 from AIM or build off a Saiga platform- they might turn out to be close in price.

I got one for sale in the classifieds-marketplace

AIM is sold out of the In Range '74s as of midday today.

Supposed to be more on the way.

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct760.aspx

Does anyone have anything good to say on the TGI's from AIM?

Does anyone have anything good to say on the TGI's from AIM?
Sure...you get what you pay for.

Does anyone have anything good to say on the TGI's from AIM?

AIM got more In-Range 74's back in today, for $599.

If you're going to get a 74, don't be too cheap. Spend the extra $100 and get the better In-Range model. Aside from the fact that there have been some mixed reports on the TGI guns, the In-Range 74's will give you the confidence of knowing your rifle was built by one of the best AK-smiths around.

You'll also get better furniture (K-var), a better finish (gun-kote), and you'll be able to use foreign mags in the In-Range model. (I believe the current batch of TGI rifles at AIM require you to use U.S. mags unless you switch out some parts.)

IMHO, getting the TGI gun instead of the In-Range gun just to save $100, would be foolish. If the extra $100 is REALLY gonna hurt ya, you probably shouldn't be buying a new rifle to begin with.

Does anyone have anything good to say on the TGI's from AIM?


Not if you remember how badly they put together PSLs a few years ago.

The InterArms Tantals are getting much harder to find. Every once in a while, you can find one on GB for $700 - $800.

Got a TGI-built AK74 from AIM. Came with wrong color furniture. While taking it off in anticipation of the new furniture's arrival I noted the following:

1. Demilled kit was not thoroughly cleaned before assembly. Petrified cosmoline in seemingly all nooks and crannies.

2. Paint, well whatever it was they used, was thin enough to scratch off with a fingernail. Moreover, the rifle seemed to have been assembled while the paint was still wet.

3. But the thing that most concerned me was the riveting job. Although from the outside the formed rivets looked OK, not perfect but OK, the inside was another matter. The rivets were not symmetrically flattened at all. In fact, some were barely flattened enough to keep them in place and it looked like they could vibrate out in short order.

Bottom line...seems "expediency" characterizes TGI's build philosophy. I'm very disappointed and although it will be a PITA, I'm sending the rifle back. Maybe an InRange build?....

Thats not an InRange build

Thats not an InRange build

Yeah, he knows that, Einstein.

He's asking if maybe he should get an InRange to replace his TGI.

Yeah, he knows that, Einstein.

He's asking if maybe he should get an InRange to replace his TGI.

Why dont you remove your lips from his ass, or where ever else you have them and ask him to be sure. My comment was'nt a direct reply to his question, it was merely a statement of FACT. Im sure he doesnt need you to decypher replies.

What an arrogant, pompous asshat you are. Please dont stink up this board with your superior knowledge of nothing.

Why dont you remove your lips from his ass, or where ever else you have them and ask him to be sure. My comment was'nt a direct reply to his question, it was merely a statement of FACT. Im sure he doesnt need you to decypher replies.

What an arrogant, pompous asshat you are. Please dont stink up this board with your superior knowledge of nothing.

LOL! Awww, what's the matter? Still sore at the way I called you out in that other thread?

Don't worry. In a few weeks, your ass will be healed enough for you to be able to sit down again.

HA ! but your wife's ass wont be healed in a week!

On a serious note, do you realize that playing a tough guy on the INTERNET does NOT make you a REAL tough guy? I have a life to live, you should try it sometime...or not! peace out punk ass.

HA ! but your wife's ass wont be healed in a week!

On a serious note, do you realize that playing a tough guy on the INTERNET does NOT make you a REAL tough guy? I have a life to live, you should try it sometime...or not! peace out punk ass.

Wow, not only are you a little on the ignorant side, but you're immature to boot!

On a serious note, please STFU. You're making an ass of yourself.

militarypolice... grow up. you sound like you are 12 years old.

Ok then......

How bout getting a Bulgy parts kit and slapping it into a NoDak Spud receiver? Might save a few $$, if not might make a better gun? Do all the Bulgy kits have cut barrels with American replacements or do some come with OEM barrels?

Ok then......

How bout getting a Bulgy parts kit and slapping it into a NoDak Spud receiver? Might save a few $$, if not might make a better gun? Do all the Bulgy kits have cut barrels with American replacements or do some come with OEM barrels?

That is the way I went. An ORF AKS74 kit, NDS 2SF w/plate receiver and a guy local to me that built the rifle for $50.00 It looks as good as any build by the major shops out there for a whole lot less $.

I have two AKM rifles built by Troy at InRange so I have something to compare the
74 too.

There are 74 kits with OEM barrels out there for sale, you just have to search a little harder for them and they're more money also.

HTH,

Bill

Why do they cut the original barrel? For compliance?

Do you like your rifles from InRange? Seems like a lot of people are talking about them.

Why do they cut the original barrel? For compliance?

Do you like your rifles from InRange? Seems like a lot of people are talking about them.

A new ATF ruling states that any parts set imported into the USA must have the barrel cut to pass muster. They are trying to put a stop to kit builds.

I have a Romanian "G" AKM and a Hungarian AKM built by Troy back in 06. Except for one rear rivet head on each rifle being smashed flat, both rifles function flawless and shoot great.

I guess I could have returned them for repair but I don't think it's that big a deal.

HTH,
Bill

Skip the US builds unless they are using a press and not just a squeezer. You can't form proper rivets with the squeezer because the original rivets are to hard.

Owned many AK type weapons over the years, as well as using as a "tool".You guys are going to not believe this one......

Century sucks right?HMMM.............
purchased bulgy 5.45, now they went down to, maybe 469.00?
called J&G, told them to look close at item,( not sales dept), if all looked good, ship it.
received, ............
1. had to lap trds. on muzzle break, 2 minutes. to allow tight fit and lock.
2. gas tube mis aligned, piston rocking up upon entering gas block, takedown lever not locking , 5 minutes to correct.
3. upon initial cleaning, used laquer thinner and removed paint from bolt carrier and bolt, beautiful gray parkerizing underneath.
NO canted sight block or gas tube
NOW.................took to range, 100m. sights were DEAD ON. laser checked before use, looked good, soo.
fit, finish and function supurb, russian 7N6 ammo, VERY accurate rifle.
CANNOT ask for more. WAS VERY SURPRISED, to say the least.
NO keyholing, miked lands and grooves, before firing, just to be safe.
Quality lube on sear, trigger is perfect. 1,000 or so rounds so far, perfect. MAYBE I just got lucky, or they hired someone who has knowledge.

Skip the US builds unless they are using a press and not just a squeezer. You can't form proper rivets with the squeezer because the original rivets are to hard.
This is interesting? can you tell just by looking?

YEP!
rivits. canting of gas block,sight housing. Good receiver(nodak -2). Finish and just overall workmanship.
Put another 500 rnds, russian 7N6, friday, through, no prob. VERY nice.
forgot to mention, installed E. german brown pebble furniture, bakelite lower hand guard. first range session, supplied hand guard so hot, could not hold.
NOW, excellent.
Want to purchase another one, Im not that lucky to get the same quality, not sure to take the chance. HMMM........ Agree with everyone, in past,Century was hit and miss.
13 yr. old son, standing, pops yoohoo cans, 100m, all day long. Likes this AK better than his Armalite NM. Figures. (ME TOO!)

I am in the process of buying this kit. This is my first 74 but I think the price was about average and it looks like the kit is in pristine shape. Looks to me like a good place to start. I need a Nodak 2 and AK builder 74 rivets and build away. Be like a brand new ak 74 for around $600. I think It will make a fantastic kit. Any thoughts??

I too am another unhappy TGI customer. Of course I was too stupid to notice even later how messed up it was. Entire rifle (sites, barrel, including buttstock) was canted to the left. I don't know how they were able to pull that off but they did. Took them weeks to respond. Had it not been for Blaine at Atlantic Firearms I would still be waiting for them. Luckily TGI told me they I would get a refund from Atlantic and that TGI would reimburse them for the loss. With that in mind (and the much better selection now than what was available in July) I am hoping to exchange for a Red Jacket or Arsenal from Atlantic.

Based on my experience stay away from any large-scale manufacturer unless you are feeling lucky. Knowing my luck I am only buying kits or paying a reputable builder to build mine from now on. Simple lesson here is you get what you pay for.

Owned many AK type weapons over the years, as well as using as a "tool".You guys are going to not believe this one......

Century sucks right?HMMM.............
purchased bulgy 5.45, now they went down to, maybe 469.00?
called J&G, told them to look close at item,( not sales dept), if all looked good, ship it.
received, ............
1. had to lap trds. on muzzle break, 2 minutes. to allow tight fit and lock.
2. gas tube mis aligned, piston rocking up upon entering gas block, takedown lever not locking , 5 minutes to correct.
3. upon initial cleaning, used laquer thinner and removed paint from bolt carrier and bolt, beautiful gray parkerizing underneath.
NO canted sight block or gas tube
NOW.................took to range, 100m. sights were DEAD ON. laser checked before use, looked good, soo.
fit, finish and function supurb, russian 7N6 ammo, VERY accurate rifle.
CANNOT ask for more. WAS VERY SURPRISED, to say the least.
NO keyholing, miked lands and grooves, before firing, just to be safe.
Quality lube on sear, trigger is perfect. 1,000 or so rounds so far, perfect. MAYBE I just got lucky, or they hired someone who has knowledge.

+1 on the Century NDS-2 Bulgarians. I didn't have any of the issues you mention. However, the bolt and carrier, as well as the gas tube, are still painted, will strip. And of course I replaced the sucky furniture with a nice PLUM K-var set. Oh, and the magwell is a bit loose. Not WASR-like loose, but used Bulgy mags have a little side play ( unlike my super-tight Tantal )
Accuracy was surprising! I had to adjust for elevation, but other than that no issues. Price was $550 OTD including $50 shipping to Alaska from J&G in AZ and two extra mags.